"This is an unfortunate chapter in the city’s history that is now closed. It’s time to turn the page. The law enforcement and legal systems have done their jobs. We all need to focus on working together and helping move Detroit forward and being strong and successful again."

"I am pleased that this long trial has ended and we can finally put this negative chapter in Detroit’s history behind us. It is time for all of us to move forward with a renewed commitment to transparency and high ethical standards in our City government."

Sheriff Napoleon reacts to Kilpatrick, Ferguson convictions:

"Recognizing the mix of emotions regarding today’s verdicts, it is a very sad day in our city’s history," said Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon. "However, elected officials are public servants who must be held to the highest standards of ethics and accountability. Now that due process has been granted, we must place this unfortunate saga in our rearview mirror and look ahead toward transforming the city of Detroit for future generations."

Statement of Kym L. Worthy on Kwame Kilpatrick’s federal conviction

"I would like to congratulate the U.S. Attorneys Office on their successful prosecution of this complex corruption case. I will reserve any further comment until Defendant Kwame Kilpatrick is sentenced," said Prosecutor Worthy.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel:

"You have a very prominent public official. This guy had a tremendous opportunity ahead of him. He was a very unique brand and he tarnished that brand with what he did," Hackel said.

Statement of Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano:

"Today’s decision closes a long and painful time for the citizens of Detroit. The City has so many challenges and my hope is that today’s verdicts will make it crystal clear that this type of activity will not be tolerated. The City can now begin to move forward without this specter overshadowing all of the efforts to remake the city."

"The jury for the federal corruption case against former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and others reached guilty verdicts for racketeering, conspiracy, extortion and other charges today,” said Brown. “Detroiters who have faced betrayal by an elected official and the dark clouds over our city should feel relief now.

I appreciate, as a Detroiter and an American, the unwavering dedication and commitment by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Barbara McQuade, her prosecution team and the FBI investigators who took on this case with skill and fortitude for more than a decade. I'm also thankful to the jury and their families for dedicating nearly six months of their lives to making certain justice was delivered appropriately.

A 'culture of corruption’ existed in Detroit for far too long. Eyes from around the world have been on this city, detracting from the progress we are making. It's time for Detroit – for all Detroiters – to close the era of wrong-doing, corruption and lack of integrity within our city. These issues brought about in the case are now in the past. We must focus on moving our city forward. The young people in our city have watched this case and have been shown that values, integrity and character do count – they are all worth fighting for. We must remember that no matter how powerful one is or how many supporters an elected official has, that person must follow the law and hold himself or herself to the highest level of integrity and accountability. I, for one, am encouraged that this day has come so we can move forward, once and for all, and finally put an end to that culture of corruption era in Detroit. We need our attention solely on addressing the challenges facing Detroiters every single day and creating an environment to thrive."

Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments

The views expressed below are not those of Click On Detroit, WDIV, or its affiliated companies. By clicking on "Post," you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and your comment is in compliance with such terms. Readers, please help keep this discussion respectful and on topic by flagging comments that are offensive or inappropriate (hover over the commenter's name and you'll see the flag option appear on right side of that line). And remember, respect goes both ways: Tolerance of others' opinions is important in a free discourse. If you're easily offended by strong opinions, you might skip reading comments entirely.